Neco Williams netted at the death to inspire Wales to a 1-0 victory over Bulgaria as Ryan Giggs’ charges took charge of the group.
The Wlesh left it late on matchday one of Group B4 when netting an 80th-minute winner against Finland, and they had to wait even longer after what had been an underwhelming performance at home to Bulgaria.
The hosts did not pose any credible threat to the Bulgaria goal until the latter stages of the first half, but David Brooks spurned a decent opportunity and that failed to usher in much of an improvement after the interval.
Gareth Bale, only able to play 45 minutes last time out, managed the whole match though hardly terrorised the Bulgaria backline – instead it was left to substitute Williams to nod in with virtually the last action of the match to make it two wins from two for Wales in the Nations League.
A deflected Galin Ivanov effort in the 25th minute was the first talking point of note in a low-key first half, but it ultimately went wide of Wayne Hennessey’s left-hand post.
Wales eventually showed signs of life in attack in the final minutes of the first period, with Bale’s long-range free-kick forcing Georgi Georgiev into an easy save, before Brooks volleyed off target when gifted an opportunity by Kristian Dimitrov.
The home side initially maintained a decent level upon the resumption, but their tempo soon fell flat again.
It was not until the 67th minute that they threated Georgiev’s goal again – Daniel James cutting in from the left and shooting at the keeper following a one-two.James was involved again soon after, teeing up Brooks as he struck the top of the post.
But deep into added time, just when Wales’ chances appeared lost, substitute Williams latched on to a cross from Jonny Williams to steal a dramatic win.
